NORTH HANOVER TOWNSHIP

TOWNSHIP COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES

MARCH 2, 2023, 7:00 P.M.

VIA CONFERENCE CALL: Dial In: 1-888-482-9769; Access Code 4493305#

OR

IN PERSON

CALL TO ORDER Mayor Forsyth called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.

FLAG SALUTE: Led by Mayor Forsyth

ROLL CALL: Mayor Forsyth

Deputy Mayor O’Donnell

Committeeman DeBaecke

Committeeman Doyle

Committeeman Kocubinski

Absent: None

Also Present: Township Clerk Picariello and Township Attorney Mark Roselli

SUNSHINE STATEMENT: “The provisions of the Open Public Meetings Act have been met. Notice of this meeting has been transmitted by email to the Courier Post, Burlington County Times and The Trenton Times as well as given to those having requested same and posted on the Township bulletin board located in the foyer of the municipal building”.

PUBLIC COMMENT AS IT RELATES TO AGENDA ITEMS

Mayor Forsyth opened the meeting to the public. There were no public comments this evening

MOTION TO CLOSE PUBLIC COMMENT

Proposed By: Committeeman DeBaecke

Seconded By: Committeeman Doyle

REVIEW OF CORRESPONDENCE

1. JLUB Resolution 2023-07 – Master Plan consistency review – Clerk Picariello noted the Redevelopment plans was consistent with the Master Plan.

ENGINEER’S REPORT

Engineer Hirsh reported he has submitted a proposal for the NJDEP Stormwater Plan. He stated he is awaiting the award notice for the DCA Local Recreation Improvement Grant. He noted the FY2022 NJDOT grant project was awaiting contracts with bonds to be returned to his office. He stated he had submitted a proposal for Engineering services for the FY2023 NJDOT grant project. Engineer Hirsh also reported he was awaiting award notices for the FY2023 CDBG Grant Application.

MINUTES FOR APPROVAL

• February 16, 2023 – Regular Meeting

• February 16, 2023 – Executive Session

BILLS AND CLAIMS FOR APPROVAL

ORDINANCE – INTRODUCTION

2023-02 Ordinance Amending Chapter 15, Land Subdivision and Site Plan Review, of the Township of North Hanover, County of Burlington and State of New Jersey

MOTION TO INTRODUCE

SET PUBLIC HEARING FOR APRIL 6, 2023 AT 7:00 P.M.

CONSENT AGENDA DEFINED:

All Resolutions listed on today’s consent agenda are to be considered as one vote by Township Committee and will be enacted by one motion. There will be no discussion of these items. If discussion is desired, that item will be removed from the consent agenda and considered separately.

2023-46 Resolution Appointing a Full-Time Police Officer

RESOLUTION 2023-46

TOWNSHIP OF NORTH HANOVER

COUNTY OF BURLINGTON

APPOINTMENT OF FULL-TIME POLICE OFFICER

WHEREAS, N.J.S.A. Title 40 and Title 40A provide for the Appointment of Certain Officers, Appointees, and Employees to be appointed in Township Positions to carry out the lawful duties and responsibilities of the Township; and

WHEREAS, the Township Salary Ordinance provides for the rate of Compensation, Salary, or Wages of Certain Officers, Appointees and Employees of said Township.

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the following Officers, Appointees, and Employees are hereby appointed for their respective terms, as follows:

Full-Time Police Officer ~ Howard A. Schulz

Effective Date of Employment: 03/2/2023 at Step I

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the above-named position will be compensated as per the Bargaining Agreement, Salary Ordinance and Salary Resolution

2023-47 Resolution Appointing a Police Sergeant for North Hanover Township

RESOLUTION 2023-47

TOWNSHIP OF NORTH HANOVER

COUNTY OF BURLINGTON

RESOLUTION APPOINTING POLICE SERGEANT

FOR NORTH HANOVER TOWNSHIP

WHEREAS, there currently exists a vacancy in the position of Sergeant for the Township of North Hanover Police Department; and

WHEREAS, the Township Committee is desirous of filling that vacancy with the appointment of a Sergeant in accordance with the Township’s Promotional Policy for Sergeant for the North Hanover Township Police Department (hereinafter “Promotional Policy”); and

WHEREAS, the Township Committee instituted the procedures set forth in the Promotional Policy by first providing notice of the vacancy of the position of Sergeant; having a written examination administered to four qualifying candidates by the New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police that resulted in two candidates’ eligibility moving forward in taking an oral examination administered by the New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police and Service Record review in accordance with the promotional policy; and

WHEREAS, the same two candidates proceeded and completed the remaining aspects of the promotional policy, including Service Record Review, that resulted in Richard Mellor attaining the highest score; and

WHEREAS, the Chief of Police reports both the physical and psychological examinations were completed with an affirmative response and is recommending Richard Mellor to be presented to the Township Committee for approval for promotion to the rank of Sergeant; and

WHEREAS, the Township Committee is satisfied that the candidate meets the requirements contained in the Promotional Policy; and

WHEREAS, the Township Committee desires to appoint Richard Mellor as a Sergeant for the Township of North Hanover Police Department.

NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Township Committee of the Township of North Hanover, County of Burlington County, State of New Jersey that it does hereby appoint Richard Mellor as Sergeant within the Township of North Hanover Police Department effective as of March 3, 2023; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the above-named position will be compensated as per the Collective Bargaining Agreement, Salary Ordinance and Salary Resolution and subject to the terms and conditions of all applicable Township Personnel Policies, Employee Handbook and Township ordinances pertaining to the Sergeant position; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a certified copy of this resolution be forwarded to Richard Mellor, Chief Robert Duff and Jack Bruno, CFO.

NON-CONSENT AGENDA

2023-48 Resolution Awarding Contract for Grass Cutting and Maintenance of Township Property and Recreation Fields

RESOLUTION 2023-48

TOWNSHIP OF NORTH HANOVER

COUNTY OF BURLINGTON

RESOLUTION AWARDING CONTRACT FOR

GRASS CUTTING AND MAINTENANCE OF TOWNSHIP PROPERTY AND RECREATION FIELDS

WHEREAS, the Township of North Hanover requires the services of a vendor for purposes of grass cutting and maintenance of Township property and recreation fields; and

WHEREAS, the Township of North Hanover issued and had published a Notice to Bidders for purposes of receiving sealed bids in accordance with the Township’s Bid Specifications prepared by the Township; and

WHEREAS, sealed bids were received and opened on February 28, 2023, as follows:

Company Bid for 2023 Bid for 2024

JB Lawn & Land Care, LLC $20,000.00 $20,000.00

1058 Provinceline Road

Allentown, NJ 08501

Brightview Landscapes, LLC $41,700.00 $42,950.00

75 Sculptors Way

Hamilton Twp., NJ 08619

On Site Landscape Management $49,997.00 $49,997.00

PO BOX 294

Millstone, NJ 08535

RPM landscape Contractor, LLC $55,840.00 $55,840.00

PO BOX 1167

Hammonton, NJ 08037

WHEREAS, the Township Attorney and Township Clerk have reviewed the bid proposal submitted by JB Lawn & Land Care LLC, the apparent lowest responsible bidder and has determined that the bid proposal is in compliance with the bid specification requirements; and

WHEREAS, the Township of North Hanover has sufficient funding in place for this contract for 2023 as evidenced by the Chief Financial Officer’s certification of the availability of funds and with the availability of funds for 2024 being subject to adoption of the Township’s annual municipal budget.

NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Township Committee of the Township of North Hanover, County of Burlington County, State of New Jersey that it does hereby award a contract to JB Lawn & Land Care, LLC, with offices at 1058 Provinceline Road, Allentown, NJ 08501 for Grass Cutting and Maintenance of Township Property and Recreation Fields located in the Township of North Hanover for an initial term of two years in the amount of $20,000.00 for 2023 and $20,000.00 for 2024.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Mayor and Township Clerk are hereby authorized to sign the aforesaid contract on behalf of the Township.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this resolution shall also be forwarded to JB Lawn & Land Care, LLC upon its adoption by the Township Committee.

2023-49 Resolution Approving Participation with the State of New Jersey Safe and Secure Communities Program Administered by the New Jersey Department of Law and Public Safety, Office of the Attorney General

RESOLUTION 2023-49

TOWNSHIP OF NORTH HANOVER

COUNTY OF BURLINGTON

RESOLUTION APPROVING PARTICIPATION WITH THE STATE OF NEW JERSEY SAFE AND SECURE COMMUNITIES PROGRAM ADMINISTERED BY THE NEW JERSEY DEPARTMENT OF LAW AND PUBLIC SAFETY, OFFICE OF THE ATTORNEY GENERAL

WHEREAS, the North Hanover Township Committee wishes to apply for funding for a project under the Safe and Secure Communities Grant Program 23-0326 for the period of May 18, 2023 through May 17, 2024; and

WHEREAS, the Committee of North Hanover Township has reviewed the accompanying application and has approved said request; and

WHEREAS. the project is a joint effort between the New Jersey Department of Law and Public Safety, Office of the Attorney General and North Hanover Township for the purpose described in the application.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by Township Committee of North Hanover Township that

1. As a matter of public policy North Hanover Township wishes to participate to the fullest extent possible with the Department of Law and Public Safety.

2. The Grant is to be in the amount of $16,200.00, to which the Township of North Hanover shall make a match of $88,051.76 for a total project cost of $104,251.76

3. The New Jersey Department of Law and Public Safety, Office of the Attorney General shall be responsible for the receipt and review of the applications for said funds.

4. The Township of North Hanover is hereby authorized to accept and does accept the sub award of the grant funds; and

5. The Township of North Hanover accepts the grant funds for the specific purpose described in the Grant Application

2023-50 Resolution Authorizing Contract with Rehmann Plumbing for Gas line and Other Improvements to the Jacobstown Volunteer Fire Company Building

RESOLUTION 2023-50

TOWNSHIP OF NORTH HANOVER

COUNTY OF BURLINGTON

RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING CONTRACT WITH REHMANN PLUMBING FOR GAS LINE AND OTHER IMPROVEMENTS TO THE JACOBSTOWN VOLUNTEER FIRE COMPANY BUILDING

WHEREAS, the Township of North Hanover requires the services of a contractor for purposes of installing gas lines and making other necessary improvements to the Municipal Building; and

WHEREAS, the Township Committee has determined and certified in writing that the value of the contract will not exceed $17,500; and

WHEREAS, the Township Committee has solicited competitive quotations of the service required and have determined that the proposal from Rehmann Plumbing is the most advantageous, price and other factors considered; and

WHEREAS, it is the desire of the Township Committee to accept the proposal from Rehmann Plumbing for the installation of gas lines and other improvements to the Municipal building in an amount not to exceed $14,950.00; and

WHEREAS, funds are available to accept said proposal, as evidenced by the attached Certification of Availability of Funds;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the Township of North Hanover that it does hereby accept the proposal from Rehmann Plumbing and it does hereby authorize a contract in an amount not to exceed $14,950.00 for the installation of gas line and other improvement services for the Jacobstown Volunteer Fire Company Building.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the required “Notice of Contract Awards” shall be published in the legal newspaper as required by law within ten (10) days of its passage.

DISCUSSION

• 2023 Budget workshop – There was general consensus to conduct the Budget Workshop on March 23^rd and to have CFO Bruno and Treasurer present.

TOWNSHIP COMMITTEE “COMMENTS”

Committeeman DeBaecke noted he was thrilled with the appointment of Richard Mellor to Sergeant. He noted what a fine job he does and was excited for him.

PUBLIC PARTICIPATION

Questions, comments or statements from members of the public in attendance.

Mayor Forsyth opened the meeting to the public. He noted due to the volume of people he would be limiting public comment to three minutes and must state your name and address for the record. He also noted some of the false information going around on Social Media. He stated there is a proposed warehouse pending.

Ms. Melanie Sorenson – Spartan Village – Ms. Sorenson noted she was trying to understand about the other land being developed. Mayor Forsyth noted this area has been industrial since at least 1978 and there is no zoning change. She expressed concerns regarding flooding, pollution, trash and various wildlife concerns. She inquired if the effects of the 200 residents in Spartan Village was reviewed. Mayor Forsyth stated yes along with the other 8,000 residents of North Hanover. He also reviewed the financial impacts.

Committeeman DeBaecke stated there was a lot of incorrect information be putting out. He stated there is no rezoning and most properties in this area are commercial. He gave an overview of the project and noted it is several smaller buildings with 10 offices in 5 buildings. He noted the redevelopment area allows the Township Committee to have more of a say in design. He also stated it is not zoned agricultural and reviewed the right to farm act. He reviewed the history of the property along with properties on both sides of the road. He also gave an overview of the wetlands on the property and stated this is not a naturally occurring wetland area, it was man made. He also stated the NJDEP has jurisdiction. He also mentioned the on-going Spartan flooding issues and stated this project should correct this situation. He noted the preliminary design has 20 different drainage areas. He also reviewed the tax benefits and the $500,000 of new expenses the Town is facing for 2023. He also noted all truck traffic would be on County owned roads.

Mr. Manuel Saladin – Warren Drive – Mr. Saladin inquired as to the say so of building certain facilities in North Hanover Township. Committeeman DeBaecke noted certain uses are allowed by law. Mr. Saladin inquired as to the environmental impacts. It was noted the application was not submitted and those studies would be included in the application. Mr. Saladin also expressed concerns over the employment opportunities.

Ms. Kathryn Miller – 297 Sykesville Road – She inquired if she was able to look at the application when it comes in. Mayor Forsyth stated yes. Attorney Roselli noted the only thing that took place thus far was the redevelopment area and acceptance of the plan. He further explained the redevelopment law and the process.

Mayor Forsyth noted the various approvals needed from other entities before moving forward.

Ms. Carly Eidman – 468 Wrightstown-Sykesville Road – Ms. Eidman noted the elected officials are here to support our Town and that she had a petition against this project and wanted older buildings to be addressed. Mayor Forsyth noted a lot of those buildings are beyond repair and it is up to the property owners. He stated he was hopeful things would develop. Ms. Eidman stated when would the 200-foot list people be notified. It was noted that occurs when an application is actually submitted. She also expressed concerns over the notifications to the residents of Spartan Village. Mayor Roselli noted when the application is submitted the property owners would be notified and stated consideration will be given to notifying the residents of Spartan Village directly as recommended by the JLUB for the agreement, when executed.

Ms. Elsa Turner – 481 Wrightstown-Sykesville Road – She stated the project would be up against her property line and wanted to make sure the berm would placed near her property. Mayor Forsyth and Engineer Hirsh noted the application has not been submitted and once it is her concerns can be addressed. Ms. Turner stated she wanted to make sure she has the same buffer as Spartan Village. Attorney Roselli also reviewed the long-term tax exemption law.

Mr. Chris Opdyke – 258 Warren Drive – Mr. Opdyke noted the existing redevelopment zoning precludes the Township from stopping it. Attorney Roselli stated that was correct and reviewed the limitations of them applying for variances. Mr. Opdyke noted he moved here from Toms River due to development and was hoping this would not happen here. Attorney Roselli also reviewed Affordable Housing obligations and the pending next round. Deputy Mayor O’Donnell noted there are limited areas with this zoning and we will not get overwhelmed with Warehouse Development.

Mr. John Smith – 246 Warren Drive – Mr. Smith stated sometime ago the Township was looking for input on Redevelopment and there was a plan. Attorney Roselli noted the plan sat for many years and no one ever stepped forward and that plan had not changed. He noted the lack of water and sewer is an impediment to any development. Attorney Roselli stated attempts have been made and the concentration of people was also a problem. Developers are in the business of making money.

Resident not identified expressed concern over having the fire apparatus to tend to these buildings. Mayor Forsyth noted there would be a fire suppressant system and stated the application has not been submitted. Engineer Hirsh noted when the application is submitted all emergency services will have the ability to comment and have their concerns addressed.

Andrea – Sykesville Road – She noted it took 30 minutes for the fire department to respond to the recent fire in her neighborhood. Deputy Mayor O’Donnell noted the appropriate fire personnel will address any concerns they have. Engineer Hirsh again reiterated the ability to address these issues when an application is actually received. Ms. Andrea inquired about the Committee’s knowledge of a vernal pool. Attorney Roselli gave an overview of a vernal pool and noted the NJDEP has jurisdiction. She also expressed concerns over water. Mayor Forsyth noted the soil is a B class soil that does not run off. He noted the soil tests will be submitted with the application. He noted the particular spot in question was a gravel hole not a natural made vernal pool. Committeeman DeBaecke noted this topic was the jurisdiction of the NJDEP. Mayor Forsyth noted on the wetlands map this location is not listed. Engineer Hirsh noted the stormwater rules require lessening the discharge and keeping it on site. He stated once the application is submitted questions could best be addressed. Attorney Roselli noted the redevelopment agreement is negotiable and if extra services are needed, when plan review occurs, then apparatus could be negotiated if needed. He stated that was another benefit of the redevelopment.

Resident not identified - Inquired if the NJDEP could come to a meeting. Mayor Forsyth stated we would inquire.

Mr. John Smith – 246 Warren Drive – He wanted to know if the Township Committee cares about the property values and are on the residents side or are they just sitting on their hands. Committeeman Doyle stated he does not want confrontation and this meeting is for expressing concerns not debate. He stated this Township Committee has never sat on their hands while residents suffer consequences. He noted the Committee has always tried working in a Bi-Partisan relationship to do what is best for the entire community. Mr. Smith inquired if there were tenants for the buildings yet. Mayor Forsyth stated it was unknown at this time. Attorney Roselli stated the prospective tenants have not been disclosed to the Township at this time.

Resident not identified – He stated he has a better understanding. He expressed concerns over the impact to the roads and if studies would be presented. Mayor Forsyth stated yes studies would be presented and noted travel would be on the County roads. Committeeman DeBaecke stated heavy truck use would not be on Township roads.

Pam – Spartan Village – She wanted clarification that North Hanover was unaware, at this time, the tenants of the warehouses. Mayor Forsyth confirmed. She then inquired if North Hanover opted in to Cannabis. Attorney Roselli said no, North Hanover opted out.

Lee – 257 Jacobstown-Arneytown Road – He inquired about light pollution and rules pertaining to that. Engineer Hirsh when the application is submitted it will include a lighting plan.

Ms. D’Amico – 4 Birch Court – Ms. D’Amico noted the fighting of Old York in Chesterfield. She expressed concern over new Police demand for reporting to the Warehouse for fighting. It was stated that all Emergency Services will address any concerns they have. Engineer Hirsh stated there would be a community impact statement submitted with the application. An unidentified resident inquired if human health effects would be presented. Engineer Hirsh stated there will be air, light, water, environmental etc. that would be included.

Mr. McDough – Warren Drive – He expressed concerns over the aquifer. Mayor Forsyth stated these items would be addressed when the application is submitted. Attorney Roselli noted only the concept plan has been submitted.

Resident not identified – inquired if the final draft would be able to be viewed by Residents. She was informed yes.

Resident not identified – She expressed concerns over the land owner getting notification and not the residents of Spartan Village. Committeeman DeBaecke noted they will be required to notify the residents and that issue has been negotiated. He also noted it was not part of the law.

Resident not identified – She inquired as to what was going in at the old Ames. It was stated it was unknown at this time. Committeeman DeBaecke noted no application has been submitted. He also pointed out that a lot of businesses have come back in that area over the last six years. Committeeman Doyle noted the closing of the base after 9/11 had a great impact on the area and businesses could not survive. Committeeman Kocubinski noted businesses are in it to make money. He felt tonight’s conversation was productive.

MOTION TO CLOSE PUBLIC COMMENT

Proposed By: Committeeman DeBaecke

Seconded By: Deputy Mayor O’Donnell

EXECUTIVE SESSION RESOLUTION

2023-51 Authorizing a Closed Session Meeting to discuss the following matter(s) pursuant to N.J.S.A. 47:1A-1 and N.J.S.A. 10:4-12; Potential Shared Services Contract Matter, Court Personnel Matter, Contract Matters, Personnel and Litigation matters

RESOLUTION 2023-51

TOWNSHIP OF NORTH HANOVER

COUNTY OF BURLINGTON

AUTHORIZING A CLOSED SESSION MEETING

WHEREAS, the Open Public Meetings Act, P.L. 1975, Chapter 231 and P.L. 2001, C. 404, permits the exclusion of the public from a meeting in certain circumstances; and

WHEREAS, the Township Committee of North Hanover Township wishes to go into a closed Executive Session and is of the opinion that such circumstances presently exist which should not be discussed in public, and

WHEREAS. the Open Public Meetings Act pursuant to N.J.S.A. 47:1A-1 and N.J.S.A. 10:4-12 permits the Township Committee to discuss certain matter(s) in private, and in this case for the purpose of the Township Committee to discuss contract negotiations, litigation and personnel matters in this regard.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by Township Committee of North Hanover Township that it will go into an Executive Session for the purpose of the Township Committee to discuss Potential Shared Service Contract Matter, Court Personnel Matter, Contract Matters, Litigation and Personnel matters.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the results of such discussion may be revealed at such time as the matter(s) are resolved and/or a contract(s) is signed and/or the negotiations are formally settled. Interested parties may contact the Township Clerk anytime during normal business hours for periodic updates as to the availability in this regard.

MOTION TO ADJOURN TO ENTER INTO EXECTIVE SESSION 9:02 pm

Proposed By: Committeeman DeBaecke

Seconded By: Committeeman Doyle

Respectively submitted,

__________________

Mary Picariello, RMC/CMR/CTC

Township Clerk

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